What are students saying about their opportunities to work with other students?
Students generally have mixed feelings about opportunities to work with other students, with some appreciating the benefits of collaboration and others finding it frustrating and unfair.
Many students value the opportunity to work in groups, citing benefits such as developing teamwork skills, learning from one another, and building relationships with peers with similar interests. Some appreciate the chance to work on group projects that reflect real-world scenarios, preparing them for future careers. Others enjoy the social aspect of group work, finding it a great way to meet new people and make friends.
However, several students express frustration with the lack of control over group dynamics, often feeling that their grades are unfairly affected by the performance of others. Some feel that they do most of the work themselves, while others do not pull their weight, leading to resentment and injustice. A few students suggest universities should provide more guidance on managing group work effectively or offer alternative assessment methods.
A common theme is a desire for more opportunities to engage with peers in smaller groups or tutorials rather than large lectures, which can make it difficult to interact with others. Some students appreciate the chance to collaborate with students from other disciplines, which broadens their perspectives and understanding of different subjects.
Overall, while many students value the opportunity to work with others, universities need to provide more support and guidance on effective group work and collaboration and offer alternative assessment methods that cater to different learning styles and preferences.